I served in the United States Navy a Religions Programs Specialist (“RP”) for 1 contract or a little over 4 years. During that time I had an opportunity to serve attached to DESSRON’S to both deploy and participate in other “workups” and “surges,” (mini deployments). Because of my unique position, I was bounced around a lot from ship to ship mostly small frigates, cruisers and destroyers with countless military chaplains of all faiths and backgrounds. My job was simple; provide secular support to them in their ministries.
It is my experience at least where the Navy is concerned that most Sailors and Marines do not utilize military chaplains in a clergy role but more in a non-secular, supportive/auxiliary role. This could be anything from counseling, to advocacy, to simply a morale booster. Given the nature in which military chaplains within the Navy are evolving and being used, I would submit to you that perhaps having a non-denominational or even humanist Chaplain is in-fact the best approach at ensuring all Sailors and Marines feel both equally represented and comfortable in approaching a Chaplain on any issue without fear of stigma, biases or reproach. What say you?
I served in the United States Navy a Religions Programs Specialist (“RP”) for 1 contract or a little over 4 years. During that time I had an opportunity to serve attached to DESSRON’S to both deploy and participate in other “workups” and “surges,” (mini deployments). Because of my unique position, I was bounced around a lot from ship to ship mostly small frigates, cruisers and destroyers with countless military chaplains of all faiths and backgrounds. My job was simple; provide secular support to them in their ministries.
ReplyDeleteIt is my experience at least where the Navy is concerned that most Sailors and Marines do not utilize military chaplains in a clergy role but more in a non-secular, supportive/auxiliary role. This could be anything from counseling, to advocacy, to simply a morale booster. Given the nature in which military chaplains within the Navy are evolving and being used, I would submit to you that perhaps having a non-denominational or even humanist Chaplain is in-fact the best approach at ensuring all Sailors and Marines feel both equally represented and comfortable in approaching a Chaplain on any issue without fear of stigma, biases or reproach. What say you?